Private tutoring and the subjective rationalities of parents: the experiences in South Korea and Singapore
Asian Education and Development Studies
ISSN: 2046-3162
Article publication date: 27 October 2020
Issue publication date: 6 June 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This article proposes a model of subjective rationalities to shed light on the global phenomenon of parental reliance on private tutoring for their children. The model is illustrated using the examples of the rational decision-making process and outcome of parents with regards to enrolling their children in private tutoring in South Korea and Singapore.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a theoretical paper that relies on a critical review of official documents, academic publications and newspaper reports.
Findings
This article proposes an original model to shed light on the global phenomenon of parental reliance on private tutoring for their children. The model highlights the following: the dynamic interactions between parents, education policy and private tutoring; the active role of private tutoring providers; and the socio-culturally embedded and complex nature of educational decisions.
Research limitations/implications
This is a conceptual paper that proposes a theoretical model, so there is no empirical data.
Originality/value
This article fills an existing research gap on the dynamic interactions between the parents, education policy and private tutoring. It offers an original model that illuminates the rational decision-making process and outcome of parents that pertains to private tutoring for their children.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author is grateful to two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments to an earlier draft.
Citation
Tan, C. (2022), "Private tutoring and the subjective rationalities of parents: the experiences in South Korea and Singapore", Asian Education and Development Studies, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 464-474. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEDS-08-2020-0183
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited